Press enter after choosing selection

Mr. Cleveland And The Presidency

Mr. Cleveland And The Presidency image
Parent Issue
Day
8
Month
May
Year
1903
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

MR. CLEVELAND AND THE PRESIDENCY.

We do not believe that Mr. Cleveland seeks another term in the White House. He is now leading the life of a useful and honored citizen. When he speaks he is listened to, and his influence is strong for good. Neither his health nor his inclination, we imagine, favors another stretch of labor at the capital. There could be no more dignified position than the one he new holds- the position of honored citizen. Living at Princeton, in contact with young minds which are to influence the future, emerging into the larger world now and then with a letter or a speech when he sees an opportunity for good, he occupies as fine a place as this republic offers. The third term superstition is almost dead. The people have learned much history since the defeat of Grant's Stalwart supporters on this issue, and they know that George Washington believed in as many terms as a good president could accept. He needed to explain and apologize for his own inability to work longer. There is no reason why a man should not be president more than twice; but, on the other hand, there is no reason why the mere name of citizen should not be deemed enough for the man who has held the highest office. John Quincy Adams went into the house of representatives. Washington retired with relief to his farm, but took up his sword again when it was needed. Madison was a private scholar, setting the example of his wisdom and his virtues for twenty years, Adams and Jefferson for twenty-five. The American leader, like the Roman, may gain new honor by returning to his plow. We are just now gossiping about the future of Mr. Roosevelt. Shall he be put at the head of Harvard University? That question has many branches, some of them touching his desires, some his qualifications for the place; but we may be sure, at least, that his usefulness will take care of itself. President of a university, member of congress, owner of a ranch, it makes little difference; the main thing is that the public eye, which will still be turned upon him, should behold a good citizen, satisfied with his place, whose words, when he speaks at all, are wise and full of justice.- Collier's Weekly.